- Chapter Twenty-Six -

Two weeks. Its been two weeks since Leo left. You would call him and talk to him privately sometimes if he didn't want the the others to talk to, knowing that they would try. You also kept his promise, being a leader to the team. Since you were a student, you had to attend to your training sessions, but in the free time you trained with Logan.

During these two weeks, you hardly talked to Chase. You only did if it was during a mission, or if it was required to do so. It was weird, not having Leo around but you and everyone had to accept the fact that he was really gone.

"It's really weird not having you here, Leo. Everyone misses you," Bree stated.

You were in the living quarters, face timing Leo. You were still mad at Chase for what he's done, you and him would get into mild arguments about Leo, even if he was gone. But one of you would quickly shut it down and quickly end it, before the argument would escalate into something more than it should've.

"Its been two weeks. When are you coming back?" Chase asked.

"I'm sorry, guys. When I said I was done, I meant it. I've hung up my mission suit forever," Leo stated.

"Then can I have it?" Adam asked. "I found a guy in Japan who's willing to pay top dollar."

You hit the back of Adam's head as you turned to look at the screen. "Are you sure we can't change your mind?" you asked.

"Sorry, guys. I'm staying here. I gotta go. Mom's hosting her book club tonight, and I'm in charge of dessert," Leo informed. "Turns out my laser sphere has caramelized the perfect crème burlée."

"Whoo, that sounds good," Adam commented. "Do I, uh, have to read a book to get in on that?"

Leo just made a face as he held his hand up. "Later guys," Leo ended the call.

"I feel bad," Bree stated. "We should've given him more credit."

"I know," Chase agreed. "I'm sorry that we didn't listen to you [Name]. You and Leo both deserve to be there with us at the award ceremony tomorrow."

"Couldn't agree with you more," Adam sighed. "And that's why he's gonna be," Adam smiled as he walked over to the couch. "Say hello to the newest member of the bionic team," Adma held up a cardboard cut-out of Leo. "Cardboard Leo."

"What is that?" Chase asked referring to the cardboard.

"Uh, it's a life-size cardboard cutout of Leo, hence the name Cardboard Leo," Adam explained. "Pay attention, Chase. This stuff isn't that hard."

"I think what he means is, are you crazy?!" Bree asked. "We can't bring that to the ceremony."

"Of course we can, and if things get boring, I'm gonna fold him into an airplane and fly him around," Adam explained, as began to fly the cardboard around.

"I'm gonna go guys, see you around," you stated, as you left the living quarters.

You never stayed too long with the Davenport trio. Out of all three though, you spent a tad bit longer with Bree, but that was about it.

~~~~~

As you walked into the training area, you were surprised to see Taylor there along with Logan and Douglas.

"Taylor? Wow it's nice to see you again," you greeted as she turned to the sound of your voice.

"Same here, well, if I could see you," she joked, making you chuckle as you gave her a brief hug.

"What's up with the glasses?" you queationed. "If you don't mind me asking."

"I'll explain in a minute. Lets head to the Hydra-loop area," Douglas stated, as you all went into the Hydra-loop area.

Chase and Bree quickly recognized Taylor as ran over to greet her. Bree gave her a hug as Chase did also.

"Hey!" Adam exclaimed loudly. "Good to see you up and around. Just so you know this is Adam."

"I lost my vision, not my hearing," Taylor pointed out.

"She obviously didn't lose that nasty attitude either," Adam told Chase.

"What are those glasses?" Chase asked.

"My latest piece of technology that I customized for her," Douglas explained. "High-tech lenses that use a series of laser-guided sensors to enhance her spatial awareness."

"They don't allow me to see in the traditional sense, but they vibrate to let me know that..." Taylor trailed off as she avoided walking into the cyber desk, "when there's an obstacle in my path."

"That's so cool. I wanna try," Logan went to reach out, but Taylor took a hold of his arm, twisting it behind his back. "Ow. So sorry, so sorry, please don't hurt me."

Taylor then let him go as Bree walked foward. "Hey, I'm impressed, Taylor. You've made a lot of progress in a few weeks."

"Thanks. I have been working really hard," Taylor informed. "Have any of you guys spoken to Leo? I was hoping someone convinced him to come back to the academy by now."

"We talked to him earlier today, but no luck. He won't change his mind," Bree informed as Adam began to talk loudly once more.

"Oh, yeah, it's really annoying when people don't understand what you're going through," Adam spoke, walking to Taylor as she walked away.

"You know what else is annoying? When people don't know when to close their mouth," you stated, looking directly at Adam.

"She also has a nasty attitude," Adam pointed to you as you rolled your eyes.

~~~~~

The next day, the Davenport trio along with Mr. Davenport and Douglas had dressed up nicely for their award ceremony. You didn't want to be rude so you were gonna bid them a goodbye as they left.

"I wish you could come with us," Bree pouted.

"Yeah, but I'd rather stay here. I don't wanna be in that ever again," you pointed to her dress, which made you both laugh.

"Alright, guys. We're heading out," Mr. Davenport informed.

Bree quickly hugged you goodbye as she left, only for Chase to step in her previous spot, in front of you. "I just wanted to--"

"No need to apologize. I think you've done that enough," you cut him off. "Anyway, you should get going. I don't think you wanna be late."

Chase nodded as he and the rest of the Davenports left the academy.

~~~~~

You were in the training area, taking full swings at the punching bag that you had set up. Sweat dribble the side of your face as you listen to your music which was blasting through your ear buds. Someone then ripped them out of your ears, casuing you to quickly to turn around to see Logan.

"Logan, what are you doing?" you asked.

"You need to come with me now," Logan stated, taking your wrist as he dragged you into the Hydra-loop area.

"What's going on? Did something happen?" you asked, as a student pointed to the screen. You turned around seeing that the Hurst Memorial Bridge was swaying as the bridge cables were snapping. The cars drove frantically, trying to get off the bridge as pieces of the bridge started to collapse, falling into the depths of the ocean.

"It's bad. There are still tons of civilians on that bridge," Logan stated.

"We've got to rescue them," Taylor informed.

"Wait. That's Mr. Davenport's limo," Logan pointed out on the screen. "Adam, Bree, and Chase must be trapped inside, or they would've started the rescue by now."

You then twisted around to face the students. "Alright, listen up. I know you've never been on a mission before, but you can do this. When we get there I'll be giving you orders. Now get moving I'll seen you the coordinates, now go!" you ordered as everyone began to file out. "We're contacting Leo," you stated, going to the cyber desk dialing Leo's number.

Leo quickly popped on the sceeen, his eyes landing on Taylor. "Taylor. It's good to see you. I heard you've been training."

"Forget about me. There's been a horrible accident with your family's limo," Taylor explained.

"What? Where?" Leo asked.

"The Hurst Memorial Bridge," Taylor replied.

"The limo is barely hanging on, it's dangling off the bridge," you informed.

"I know you quit the team, but your family needs you," Taylor stated.

"Okay, I'll meet you three there," Leo replied.

"Wait, I'm not going," Taylor informed.

"Why not?" you and Leo asked.

"I can't see. I'll just be in the way," Taylor replied.

"Do you have any idea how many times I've been in the way on a mission?" Leo asked.

"Yeah, Chase told me. Thirty-one and a half," Taylor answered.

"Look, you're not gonna be in the way. You still got a lot to offer, and I need your help," Leo informed.

"I don't know," Taylor shook her head.

"Don't worry. We're gonna make it through this together," Leo stated. "All four of us."

"Alright. Lets do it," Taylor nodded.

Leo then ended the call as you, Taylor, and Logan ran off.

~~~~~

You and Taylor were instructing the students on what to do as Logan was helping along with the students. After barking orders at the students to getting the civilians to safety, Leo came running towards you, breathing heavily.

"Sorry I'm late," Leo apologized. "I was in such a rush, I went to the wrong bridge. You'll be happy to know all is well in the Norcal connector."

"That was last of the civilians," Logan informed.

"Get them off the brige and set up the triage area," Leo instructed as the students went off. "Where's the limo?"

"Over there," Logan pointed to the dangling limo.

Right when you were about to speak, you all heard Mr. Davenport's voice.

"Leo can you hear me? Leo."

"Yes, Big D., I can hear you. We're coming to get you," Leo replied.

"No. It's too unstable. I don't want you to get hurt. Listen to me very carefully. We're locked in. See that silver fin on the rear windshield?"

You all looked as Leo spoke, "I see it."

"That's the housing unit for the computer system. I need you to find a way to disable it. Then it will release the locks, and we can climb out."

"Got it," Leo replied.

"They can do this. Right?" you heard Bree ask.

"What do you think? Our lives are in the hands of a newbie, a quitter, a rebel, and a blind girl," you heard Douglas answer.

"We can still hear you!" you and Leo shouted in union.

"Then, boy, aren't we luckly?"

"We gotta figure out a way to disable that computer system," Logan stated, as the bridge shook.

"Wait. Our EMP ability. It disables any electrical charge," Leo pointed out. "If we generate a sphere, then Logan can guide it to take out the limo's computer."

"Yes!" Taylor exclaimed.

"Lets do it," Logan commented.

As Taylor and Leo held hands, you took a step back. As the sphere began to grow, Logan had ordered them to keep going. After a moment, Leo jerked his hand back.

"What's the matter? Why'd you stop?" Taylor asked.

"I can't do this. What if I hurt you again? What if I hurt them?" Leo asked. "I don't wanna ruin anyone else's life."

"Leo, that won't happen," you stated.

"Leo, you didn't ruin my life. It was an accident," Taylor stated. "And if I'm not gonna let it stop me from being a bionic hero, why should you?"

You turned to look back at the limo, seeing pieces of pavement crumbling beneath the limo.

"This is it Leo," Taylor stated. "This is your chance to prove you're the leader I know you are. So...are you in?" she asked, holding out her hand.

"Yeah, I'm in," Leo took her hand as she turned ger head to the side.

"What's wrong?" you asked.

"Duck!"

Taylor knocked you three down as a cable snapped through the air. You all sat up as Leo spoke, "How'd you know that was gonna happen?"

"I heard the sound wave of the cable when it snapped," Taylor explained. "Ever since I lost my sight, all of my other senses have increased."

"Hello. Sliding off a bridge over here!" Mr. Davenport explained, as you all stood.

"Hang on. We have a plan," Leo informed.

"Based on the last forty times that he said that, I'd say we have, oh, a ten percent chance of making it," Chase explained.

"Hey, hey, he came all the way out here to save us. Give the kid some credit. Twelve percent." Mr. Davenport stated.

"We can still hear you!" Leo exclaimed as he turned to Taylor. "Taylor, give me your hand."

As they held hands, you took a step back once again as you watched the sphere grow.

"Okay, Logan, on my cue, aim the sphere at that silver fin," Leo instructed, pointing to the fin. As Logan got in position, Leo looked back at Taylor. "Trust me. We got this." Logan then held his hands up, ready to aim the sphere as he waited for Leo to give him the go. "Alright, Logan. Now!"

Logan then aimed the sphere and shot it at the silver fin. You all sighed in relief until the limo began to rock slightly. One by one, Bree began to super speed everyone out to safety. Just as she went to go get Chase, the bridge shook.

"Chase!" Bree exclaimed, as Leo ran over.

"We have to go now," Taylor informed. "The whole bridge is about to go down."

"I'll get Chase," Leo informed. "You guys get everyone else out of here."

"Leo, we can't--"

"There's no time go!" Leo cut Adam off.

You then took a hold of Leo's arm, making him face you. "You stay safe and keep him safe alright?"

'Just let them die. Kill two birds with one stone."

'They will not die! They will make it out alive.'

Douglas then grabbed your arm, linking his arm with yours as Bree super sped you all off the bridge.

~~~~~

Leo and Chase did come back safely from the bridge. Once all the people were off the bridge, the president had rescheduled the ceremony, so now you and Leo were included.

"These individuals before you are the epitome of what a hero should be. They are the most selfless, humble people that I know," the president announced as you looked down.

You didn't deserve this. This metal that hung around your neck. You didn't deserve any of this, at all. You weren't a hero, never have been, and never will be. It just wasn't who you were.

Leo nudged you slightly with his elbow, looking at you in concern. You knew he was worried. You sent him an assured smile as you held your head high, looking back at the audience.

"Because of their courageous actions, the world is a better place. Heroes come in all shape and sizes, but the real way to measure a true hero is by their determination to never give up."

Everyone began to applause for you and Leo.

"People of our nation, and our planet, are beyond grateful for the contributions that you five had made to our safety and well-being. There is no way we can repay you for all that you've done," the president smiled.

"Well, don't let that stop you from writing a big, fat check," Adam smiled as the president looked taken back.

You all stared at Adam in disbelief as Adam's eyes widen. "Did I just say that out loud?"

You couldn't help but shake your head.

~~~~~

After the ceremony, you had all headed back to the academy and Mr. Davenport had stated that he was going to give out a huge announcement. So as you all waited in the training area, Mr. Davenport came in.

"Listen up, everybody," Mr. Davenport announced, catching everyone's attention. "Someone very special is rejoining the team."

Leo then came out in a mentor's suit, making everyone clap and shout for Leo.

"Woah, I was expecting someone completely different," Adam stated.

"Not only is Leo back on the island, but because of his bravery and leadership on the bridge mission, I had offically made a mentor," Mr. Davenport explained, just as eveyone began to clap, Mr. Davenport quickly settled them down.

"I have an announcement to make," Leo announced, as he quickly disappeared. You quirked an eyebrow in confusion as he came back holding a mentor suit. "Another person will become an offical mentor, and that person who will be joining is [Name]."

You frozed, completely stunned by the announcement, until Bree pushed you forward, snapping you out of your frozen state as people began to clap.

"Oh, Leo. I can't take this," you shook your head.

"Why not? You had also proved great leadership and bravery by helping out on the bridge," Mr. Davenport informed.

You shook your head. "I'm no leader."

"Well, the security footage and people say otherwise," Mr. Davenport stated. "I seen you quickly take charge when you found out that we were dangling off the bridge. You moved to expert level within a week, and that shows great leadership."

Everyone began to cheer and congratulate you and Leo as Leo handed you the mentor's suit.

"Couldn't be prouder of you buddy," Chase congratulated Leo, bringing him in a hug.

"Congrats, Mr. and Miss. Mentor," Taylor congratulated, "and thanks."

"For what?" Leo asked.

"I didn't think I'd ever go on a mission again, Leo. But you changed all that," Taylor smiled.

"I'm the one who should be thanking you. You showed me I really am a leader," Leo smiled as he hugged Taylor.

"I love you guys," Logan smiled, hugging them both.

You then heard sniffing, making you turn around to see that Douglas was crying.

"Are you crying?" Bree asked Douglas smiling.

"No. I'm just allergic to happiness," Douglas explained.

"C'mon old softie," Mr. Davenport stated. "Now that everyone's safe, you can help me out of this girdle."

As Mr. Davenport walked Douglas out, the students picked you and Leo up by surprise as they began chanting your names.